US revokes bounty on three Taliban leaders

The US has removed the bounty on three senior Taliban figures, including Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, who was responsible for attacks against the former Afghan government. Haqqani, who was involved in the 2008 attack on the Serena Hotel in Kabul, is no longer on the ‘Rewards for Justice Programme,’ although the FBI reports that he is still wanted. Abdul Aziz Haqqani and Yahya Haqqani have also been removed from the list. The Haqqani network, known for attacks and criminal activities, has been a key weapon of the Taliban since 2001. The Afghan Foreign Ministry has hailed the decision as a sign of openness in bilateral relations, along with the recent release of US prisoner George Glezmann. Ibraheem Bahiss, a senior analyst with the ‘International Crisis Group’s Asia Programme,’ said the removal of the bounties had had a significant positive impact on Taliban officials, allowing them to engage in commercial activities with the international community.